Explain how competition, predation, and mutualism differ in their effects on the interacting populations of two species.

Short Answer

Expert verified

In the interaction of populations between two species in interspecific competition, both species are harmed (-/-). The predator population profits (+/-) at the expense of the prey population through predation.

Mutualism is a symbiosis that benefits both species (+/+).

Step by step solution

01

Competition between two species

The competition involves organisms vying for the same resources at the same place.The intraspecific competition pits members of the same species against one another. As a result, the species become more adaptive.

However, the interspecific competition pits individuals from different species against one another.

02

Predation between two species

A predator is a creature that hunts, captures, and consumes other animals.For example, a leech on humans and a tick on dogs are helpful to one species but dangerous to the other.

Clinging structures, the loss of extra organs, and the digestive system are all characteristics of parasites similar to predation.

03

Mutualism between two species

As a result,both creatures benefit from the connection, and no species declines, known as mutualism or symbiosis.The flower-pollinator link is one of the most well-known instances; nectar is traded for fertility.

Depending on the organism's survival demands, the relationship may endure a long or short time.

Unlock Step-by-Step Solutions & Ace Your Exams!

  • Full Textbook Solutions

    Get detailed explanations and key concepts

  • Unlimited Al creation

    Al flashcards, explanations, exams and more...

  • Ads-free access

    To over 500 millions flashcards

  • Money-back guarantee

    We refund you if you fail your exam.

Over 30 million students worldwide already upgrade their learning with Vaia!

One App. One Place for Learning.

All the tools & learning materials you need for study success - in one app.

Get started for free

Most popular questions from this chapter

In Batesian mimicry, a palatable species gains protection by mimicking an unpalatable one. Imagine that individuals of a palatable, brightly colored fly species are blown to three remote islands. The first island has no predators of that species; the second has predators but no similarly colored, unpalatable species; and the third has both predators and a similarly colored, unpalatable species. In a short essay (100–150 words), predict what might happen to the coloration of the palatable species on each island through time if coloration is a genetically controlled trait.

Describe two types of ecological interactions that appear to be occurring between the three species shown in this photo. What morphological adaptation can be seen in the species that is at the highest trophic level in this scene?

In the Chesapeake Bay estuary, the blue crab is an omnivore that eats eelgrass and other primary producers as well as clams. It is also a cannibal. In turn, the crabs are eaten by humans and by the endangered Kemp’s Ridley sea turtle. Based on this information, draw a food web that includes the blue crab. Assuming that the top-down model holds for this system, describe what would happen to the abundance of eelgrass if humans stopped eating blue crabs.

The most plausible hypothesis to explain why species richness is higher in tropical than in temperate regions is that

(A) tropical communities are younger.

(B) tropical regions generally have more available water and higher levels of solar radiation.

(C) higher temperatures cause more rapid speciation.

(D) diversity increases as evapotranspiration decrease.

How is a food chain different from a food web?

See all solutions

Recommended explanations on Biology Textbooks

View all explanations

What do you think about this solution?

We value your feedback to improve our textbook solutions.

Study anywhere. Anytime. Across all devices.

Sign-up for free